iPsychology

St. John's Wort is primarily use to treat mild to moderate depression and has a mild tranquilizing/sedative effect. St. John's Wort has been used in the treatment of sleep disorders, wounds, burns, blunt injuries, inflammation of the skin, gallbladder disorders, gastritis, bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, bedwetting, rheumatism,muscle pain, and gout. Numerous studies suggest that St. John’s Wort extract ( hypericum extract ), when standardized for hypericin and hyperforin, helps to balance serotonin levels and maintain normal neurotransmitter activity to promote emotional well-being and a positive mood. St. John's Wort is an herbal nutrient that may naturally promote normal mood. It seems to work similarly to the SSRI drugs, such as Prozac and Zoloft, by raising serotonin levels in the brain.

Strengths: 250 mg, 300 mg, and 450 mg.

Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.

Oral:
Start: 300 mg.
Increases:  Determined by a physician and as needed .
Maximum: 900 mg.

Normal dosage:  300 mg 3 x daily of the 0.3% hypericin and 3% hyperforin.

Problems with:
Liver Function:  N/A
Kidney Function:  N/A

Test:
Before taking:  N/A
While taking:   N/A

Take With: With food.

Full Benefits In: For maximum benefit use at least 2 months.

Missed Dose(s): If within one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose.

If Stop Taking: Consulting your physician.

Overdose symptoms include: N/A
Overdose if Untreated: N/A

Warnings

Avoid alcohol while taking this drug.

Do not take this drug if you are or have taken a MAO inhibitor in the last 2 weeks.

Do not take this drug if you are or have taken a SSRI in the last 2 weeks.

Do not give this drug to anyone under six months old. Only use drug in small doses at first if over sixty and with close monitoring.

Avoid excessive exposure to UV radiation ( e.g. sunlight, tanning ).

Inform your Doctor if:

• you had negative reactions to this drug in the past.
• if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drug;
• if you plan to be under anesthesia or having any surgery in the next few months, also if you will be undergoing any medical tests. 
• if you are on a special diet ( low-salt / low-sugar or any other ).

St. John's Wort ( Symptoms or Effects )

Common: Sensitivity to sun light, bloating, and constipation.

Rare: 

See physician if severe: Sensitivity to sun light, bloating, and constipation.

See physician NOW: Rash.

Stop taking and see physician NOW: Rash.

• HIV medications.
• Hormonal form of contraception.
• MAO,s
• SSRI's
• Agenerase, Celexa, Crixivan, Fortovase, Invirase, Luvox, Neoral, Norvir, Paxil, Prozac, Serone, Viracept, and Zoloft.